According to the Health Planning section of the Virginia code, each of the State’s five Health Planning Agencies shall assist the Virginia Board of Health and the Virginia Department of Health (DOH) in the following ways:
| 1. |
Conduct data collection, research, and analyses |
| 2. |
Prepare reports and studies in consultation and cooperation with the DOH |
| 3. |
Review and comment on the components of the State Health Plan |
| 4. |
Conduct needs assessments as appropriate and serve as a technical resource to the DOH |
| 5. |
Identify gaps in services, inappropriate use of services or resources, and assess accessibility of critical services |
| 6. |
Review applications for a certificate of public need (COPN) and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Health |
| 7. |
Conduct such other functions as directed by the regional health planning board |
| 8. |
May designate health advisory councils at sub-area levels |
The CVHPA performs the above statutorily defined functions, as well as many associated activities, with and for not only State government agencies, but also with and for local governments, health care providers, health and human service organizations, community coalitions, foundations, businesses, other regional planning agencies, and individuals.